While some economists insist that the national economy appears to be recovering from the worst record downturn in many generations, significantly declining donations in churches result in rising clergy unemployment.

In this crucial hour when not only Americans but all peoples of all nations collectively are faced with the catastrophic effects of the most expansive economic collapse in the annals of human history, it is calming, comforting, and cheering to know that the Sovereign and Almighty God has a plan, has eternally known what the plan is, and that His plan—for individual believers and His true Body alike—is not for harm, calamity, disaster, or destruction, but welfare, good, prosperity, peace, and a hope-filled future.

Sign of the Times

"What normally happens is a downturn hits churches about six months after it hits everyone else, and it takes about six months after the recovery starts for churches to see that. We aren't seeing much improvement yet." —Simeon May, chief executive officer for the Richardson, Texas-based National Association of Church Business Administration, discussing the continuing decline in donations to churches. [dallasnews.com, 5/23/10]